Printing apparatus



April 26, 1938. R. J. THORN 2,115,692

PRINTING APPARATUS 'Filed April 8, 195'? 5 Sheets-Sheet l April 26, 1938. R. J. THORN PRINTING APPARATUS Filed April a, 1957 5' Sheets-Sheet 2 April 26,l 1938.r R. J, THORN 2,115,692

` l PRINTING APPARATUS Filed April 8, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 @if Y JOZ l195 706 102 Z7 Q6 JZ 205 R. J. THoRN PRINTING APPARATUS April 26, 1938.

Filed April 8, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 mwN JIT/60pm MWNI lLlllllllllllHUHH Hllll uv +V NmN Patented Apr. 26, 1938 1JN1TED STATES 2,115,692 d ram'rrNG APPARATUS Robert J. Thorn, Chicago, lll., `assignor to Reynolds Appliances Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a

corporation of Illinois Application April 8, 1937, Serial No. 135,658

'23 Claims.

The present invention relates generally to printing apparatus. More particularly the invention relates to' that type of printing apparatus which is designed primarily to print cards for 5 sign or placard forming purposes and comprises (1) a rectangular card supporting base; (2) a supporting structure over the base; (3) a type case which is supported on the structure for universal movement in a horizontal plane over the base and has a set of vertically movable type therein with springs for urging the type upwards into an inoperative position within the case; (4) a vertically slidable plunger which is disposed over the type case and is adapted when the type case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as to shift the type downwards and cause it to eiect an impression on the card; (5) a card retaining bar which extends transversely across the front portion of the top of the base and is retained by a guide member so that it is longitudinally shiftable for card feeding purposes; and (6) mechanism which is operated conjointly with the type projecting plunger and serves automatically to shiftv the card receiving bar for card feeding purposes y at the conclusion of each printing operation.

' One object of the invention is to provide a printing apparatus of "this type which is an improvement upon and may be operated more readily than previously designed apparatus of the same, general character.

'Another object of the invention is to provide a printing apparatus of the type under consideration in which the supporting structure for the type case is in the form of a hollow arm over the rear portion of the base and a U-shaped carriage which supports the type case for sliding movement to and from the front of the base and is suspended from the front end of the hollow arm 40 so that it together with the type case is shiftable sidewise. V

Another object of the invention is to provide a printing apparatus of the aforementioned type and character in which the mechanism for automatically feeding the card retaining bar at the conclusion of a printing operation is of novel design and not only operative in a positive and eilicient manner but also includes a lost motion connection whereby feed of the card retaining 50 bar is avoidedor precluded when the type projecting plunger is raised to a slight extent in Jrder properly to align a type therebeneath.

A further object of the invention is" to provide a printing apparatus of the type hereinbefore re- 56 ferred to in whichthe vertically movable type are mounted in a novel manner Within the case.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a sign or placard printing apparatus which occupies but asmall amount of room and may be produced at a comparatively low and reasonable cost'.

Other objects of the invention and the various advantages and characteristics of the present printing apparatus will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description. l0

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof. i

In the drawings which accompany and form a part of this specication or disclosure and in which like numerals of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a perspective of a printing apparatus embodying the invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary perspective showing the latch which is associated with the carriage and serves to hold the carriage and type case against sidewise shift when the apparatus is not in use;

Figures 3 and 3a are fragmentary perspectives showing the arrangement and design of the gauge for showing the operator of the apparatus the line on which impressions will be made on the card in response to reciprocation or vertical movement of the type projecting plunger;

Figure 4 is a vertical longitudinal sectional view of the apparatus showing in detail the manner in which the type case is supported by the carriage for sliding movement to and from the front of the base and also the manner in which the carriage is suspended from the front end of the hollow arm so that it together with the type case is shiftable sidewise;

Figure 5 is a reduced vertical'transverse sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 4 and illustrating in detail certain parts of the mechanism for automatically shifting or feeding the card retaining bar at the conclusion of each printing operation;

Figure 6 is a vertical transverse sectional view taken through the central portion of the base and showing the cross-sectional design of the base as well as the type case and the hollow arm from which the type case supporting carriage is suspended;

Figure 7 is a, perspective of a type;

Figures 8 and 9 are top and bottom views respectively of the type of Figure '7;

Figure 10 is a perspective of one of the washers at the upper end of the type;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary perspective of the upper end of the shank portion of a type;

Figure 12 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line I2|2 of Figure 6 and illustrating the manner in which the plunger enters the type case for type projecting purposes;

Figure 13 is an enlarged vertical sectional view taken on the line |3-I3 of Figure 6 and illustratlng in detail the control member which forms pa of the automatic feed means for the card re ning bar and is located alongside of and vertically shiftable with the type projecting plunger;

Figure 14 is a plan view of the front portion of the base of the apparatus showing in detail the construction of the card retaining bar and the manner in which it is slidably connected t0 the guide member;

Figure 15 is an enlarged vertical transverse sectional view taken on the line |5|5 of Figure 14 and showing the one way clutch which is slidably mounted on the card retaining bar and constitutes another one of the operating parts of the automatic feed mechanism;

Figure 16 is a vertical transverse sectional view on the line |5-I6 of Figure 15;

Figure 1'7 is a detail'sectional view taken on the line |1|1 of Figure 14 and illustrating the construction and design of the device for braking or retarding sliding action of the card retaining bar relatively to the guide member;

Figure 18 is a plan view of the brake device which is shown in Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a perspective of the housing part of the one way clutch; and

Figure 20 is a perspective of the dog or movable part of the clutch.

The printing apparatus which is shown in the drawings constitutes the preferred embodiment of the invention. It is designedl or adapted primarily to print cards in order to form signs or placards and comprises as the main parts thereof a card supporting base 2 I, a hollow supporting arm 22, a carriage 23, a type case 24, a manually operated type projecting plunger 25, and a card retaining bar 28. In addition to these parts the apparatus comprises mechanism for moving the card retaining bar 26 to and from the front of the base 2| in order longitudinally to move or adjust the card for line spacing purposes and also mechanism for automatically shifting the bar 26 longitudinally after each printing operation for card feeding purposes.

The base 2| serves as a support for the card to be printed. It is rectangular, as shown in the drawings and comprises a top 21, a front 28, a back 29 and a pair of sides 30. The top is flat and is adapted to have the card to be printed rest flatly thereon. The front and back of the base depend from and are formed integrally with the front and bottom margins of the top 21 respectively and together with the sides 30 support the top in an elevated position with respect to the table or supporting structure upon which the apparatus is set or mounted. The sides I0 of the base depend from and are formed integrally with the side margins of the top 21 and are suitably joined at the ends thereof to the end margins of the front and back. 'I'he central portion of the top 21 of the base is provided with a substantially square cut-out 3| in which is disposed a flat piece 32 of rubber or like material. This piece formsA a platen against which the printing is done. It is disposed directly beneath the type projecting plunger and is arranged or positioned so that the top face thereof is flush with the top face of the top 21 of the base. The central portion of the top 21 is reinforced against sagging by means of a channel type member 33. 'Ihe latter, as shown in Figures 4 and 6 of the drawings, extends between the front and back of the base 2| and embodies out-turned flanges 34 along the top edges of the sides thereof. These flanges fit against and are welded or otherwise suitably secured to the bottom face of the top 21 of the base.

'I'he hollow supporting arm 22 overhangs the rear portion of the base 2| and is supported at /its rear end by means of a pair o f legs 35. It is positioned midway between and in parallel relation with the sides of the base, extends forwardly from the back 29 of the base to a point slightly forwards of the platen forming piece 32 and comprises a pair of sides 36, a top 31, a front plate 38, and a back plate 39. The sides of the arm are held in laterally spaced relation by the top 31 and define with the top and the front and back plates an elongated compartment 40. The front plate 38 embodies an inturned marginal flange 4| and serves as a removable closure for this compartment. The flange 4| extends in lapped relation with the front margins of the vsides 36 and the top 31 of the arm and is removably secured in place by means of screws 42. When these screws are loosened the front plate 38 may be removed in order to provide access to the front end of the compartment 40. The back plate 39 extends across the rear margins of the sides and top of the arm and forms a rear closure for the compartment 40. The legs are formed integrally with the rear portions of the bottom margins of the sides 36 of the arm and are downwardly divergent. They space the arm above the base a sufficient distance to accommodate the carriage 23 therebeneath and embody outwardly extending flanges 43 along the bottom margins thereof. These flanges fit against the top face of the top 21 of the base and are secured in place by means of screws 44. 'Ihe backing plate 39 of the arm embodies a bottom extension 45 which extends between and is suitably secured to the rear margins of the legs 35 and closes the rear portion of the space between the legs. f I i The carriage 23 together with the arm 22 serves as a supporting medium for the type case 24. It underlies the front and central portions of the arm 22 and comprises a pair of laterally spaced side pieces 46, a back piece 41, a top piece 48, and a. bottom piece 49. 'I'he side pieces of the carriage are formed integrally with and project forwardly from the side margins of the back piece 41 and together with said back piece form a U-shaped pocket for the type case 24. The top piece 48 extends across the central portions of the top margins of the side pieces and is spaced from the back piece 41 and the front ends of the side pieces 48. It embodies an upturned flange 50 along the front margin thereof and has down-turned ends 5| which fit against the inner faces of the side pieces 46 and are riveted or otherwise xedly secured in place. The bottom piece 49 extends between the rear portions of the b'ottom margins of the side pieces 46 and has an upturned flange 52 along the rear margin thereof and upturned end flanges 53. 'I'he flange 52 abuts and is suitably secured to the bottom margin of the back piece 41 and the 15 piece 48 of the carriage.

`margins of the side pieces 46. lThe vfront ends of the sides 46 are reinforced against inward or outward bending by means of an angle bar 54. This bar has upturned ends which fit against and are riveted to the inner faces of the side pieces 46. The carriage 23 is suspended from the hollow supporting arm 22 so that it together with the type case 24 is shiftable sidewise over the bas 2 I. "I'he means for suspending the carriage so t at it is shlftable in this manner comprises a horizontally disposed angle bar runner 55 at the back of the carriage and a horizontal' runner 56 and a horizontal track 51 at the front of the carriage. The runner 55 .comprises a vertical leg 58 and a horizontal leg 59 and extends4 across the upper margin of the back piece 41 of the carriage 23. The vertical leg .58 is welded or otherwise xedly secured to the rear faceof the back piece 41 and the horizontal leg 59 projects rearwardly from the top margin of Ithe vertical leg and rides on a pair of rollers 66. The latter are located slightly outwards of the sides 36 ,of the hollow supporting arm 22 and are mount- 'ed on horizontal spindles 6l which are carried by a pair of brackets 62. The latter, as shown in Figures V1 and 4, fit against and are secured to the sides 36 of the arm 22. In order to prevent sidewise tilting of the carriage and the type case the bracket 62 is provided with a pair of rollers 63. against the top face of the horizontal leg 59 of the angle bar runner 55. The runner 55 and the roller 66 constitute a slide suspension means for the rear portion of the carriage. The runner 56 extends across and is fixedly secured to the front face of the upturned flange 56 of the top The ends of the runner project beyond the side pieces 46 of the carriage and the upper margin of the runner extends upwards and then downwards, as shown in Figures l, 4, l2, and 13, and forms an inverted V- shaped channel 64. The ends of the runner 56 are reinforced against bending by way of a pair of triangular'brackets 65. These brackets (see Figure 1) are secured to and project outwardly from the front ends of the side pieces 46 of the carriage. The horizontal track 51 underlies the front end of the hollow supporting arm 22 and is secured in place by way of a pair of brackets 66. The latter, as shown in Figures l and 6, are riveted against the outer faces of the sides 36 of the arm. The track is substantially the same in length as the horizontal runner 56 and.

the lower margin thereof underlies the upper margin of the runner 56 and extends forwards and then upwards so as to define a V-shaped channel 61 directly beneath the channel 64. Balls 68 t 'within the two channels and form a roller connection whereby the runner 56 together with the carriage and type case is permitted to slide longitudinally with respect to the track 51. Therunner 56 and the track 51 together with the balls 68 form a slide type suspension means for the front portion of the carriage 23. The extremities of the upper margin ofthe runner 56 are bent inwards to form stops 66 which coact with stops 16 at the ends of the track 51 to prevent the balls 68 from rolling from the ends of the channels 64 and 61. In order to assist the rollers 63 in preventing tilting of The latter overlie the rollers 66 and bear l the carriage 23 and the type case 24 rollers 1| are provided. 'I'hese rollers are two in number and underlie the track 51. They are mounted on horizontal spindles `on th/e runner 56 and bear against the channel forming portion of the track. In view of the runner and roller slide type suspension meansat the rear portion of the carriage and the runner and track slide typeI suspension means at the front of the carriage, the carriage together with the type case is permitted to slide laterally in a rectilinear manner over the base 2l of the apparatus.` Sidewise shift or sliding movement of the carriage is limited by means of a pair of stop forming brackets 12. These brackets are secured to the top face of the top piece 48 of the'carriage and coact with the sides 36 of the hollow supporting arm 22. One of the brackets operates to limit sidewise shift of the carriage in one direction and the other bracket operates to limit sidewise shift of the carriage in the opposite direction.

The type case 24 carries, as hereinafter described, a s`et or plurality of vertically movable type 13 and is mounted between the side pieces 46 of the carriage 23 so that it is slidable hurlzontally backwards and forwards. It comprises a pair of sides 14, a front 15, a back 16, a combined type selecting and positioning top plate 11, a bottom plate 18 and a partition 19, and is adapted because of the sliding connections between it and the carriage and the slide type suspension means between the carriage and the hollow supporting arm 22 to be moved universally .in a horizontal plane over the base in order to selecting and positioning top plate 11 closes the top of this compartment and is suitably secured in place so that the top face thereof is substantlally flush with the top edges of the sides and the front' and back of the case. The bottom plate serves as a closure for .the bottom of the type compartment 86 and is fixedly secured to a frame-like ledge 8| within the bottom margins of the sides 14 and the front and back of 4the case.

The partition 19 extends horizontally across and divides in two the type compartment 86 and rests on and is xed to a frame-like ledge 82 which fits against and is secured to the central portions of the inner faces of the case sides,

front and back. The sliding connections whereby the type casev is supported so that it is shiftable backwards and forwards for type positioning purposes comprise a' pair of angle bar tracks on the horizontal flanges 86 of the tracks 83 and are carried by journal box type blocks 81 which are secured to the outer faces of the sides 14 of the type case 24. The rollers are preferably four in number and are arranged so that there are two at the back of the case and two at the case front. 'Iilting of the type case is prevented by way of a set of four rollers 88. These roll- 'tional area of the type shanks.

ers are disposed beneath the rollers 84. They bear against the bottom faces of the horizontal legs 96 of the angle bar tracks 83 and are carried by spindle equipped blocks 89 which fit against and are secured to the lower corner portions of the outer faces of the sides 14 of the type case. Forward and backward shift of the type case and lateral shift of the type case and carriage are effected by way of a U-shaped handle 90. .This handle is located in front of the type case and embodies outturned ears 9| which fit against and are secured to the front 15 of the case. By grasping the handle 90 and shifting it forwards or rearwards or laterally the type case may be moved universally in a horizontal plane and any desired type within the case may be brought into registry with the plunger 25. The type 13 are disposed in row form within the compartment 80 in the type case 24 and comprise enlarged heads 92 and vertically extending Shanks 93. The shanks, as shown in Figure 7, are square in cross-section and extend through and are vertically slidable in aligned square holes 94 in the bottom plate 18 and the partition 19. The enlarged heads 92 are fixedly secured to the lower ends" of the shanks 93 and have on the bottom faces thereof type characters 95. They are adapted, as hereinafter described, to be individually projected in a downward direction towards the platen forming piece 32 by the plunger 25 and when in their retracted or inoperative position bear or abut against the bottom face of the bottom plate 18 of the type case. The Shanks 93 are of such length that when the type are in their retracted positions the upper ends thereof terminate directly beneath the combined type selecting and positioning plate 11. Compression springs 96 surround the upper ends of the type lShanks 93 and serve to urge the type upwards into their inoperative position. The lower ends of the springs bear against the partition 19 in the type compartment 80 and the upper ends of the springs abut against washers 91 on the upper ends ofthe type shanks. As shown in Figures '1, 8, and 10 the washers 91 have square apertures 98 therein and t within grooves 99 in the upper ends of the type shanks. 'I'he apertures 9B are the same in area as the cross-sec- In assembling the type the shanks 93 are inserted through the aligned square holes 94 in the bottom plate 18 and the partition 19 of the ty'pe case and are then slid upwards until arrested as the result of abutment or engagement of the enlarged heads 92 with the bottom plate 18. operation the compression springs 96 are mounted on the upper ends of the Shanks of the type and slid downwards until the lower ends thereof abut against the partition 19. Thereafter the washers 91 are placed on the upper ends of the type shanks 93 and are slid downwards until they register with the grooves 99. After such sliding movement the washers are rotated approximately 45 relatively tothe shanks 93 in order to bring the apertures 98 out of registry with the sides of the shanks and effect interlocking connections between the washers and the grooves. j After rotating the washers in this manner the upper extremities of the springs are inserted through the apertures 98, as shown in Figure 7, in order to hold the washers against rotation relatively to the Shanks of the type. In order to permit downward projection of the type by the plunger 25 the top plate 11 of the type case is provided with a set of square holes |00.

After this step or These holes are disposed in registry with the upper ends of the shanks 93 of the type and permit the plunger to be shifted downwards into the type compartment 30 for type projecting purposes. As shown in Figure l the holes |00 are designated by means of characters I0|. -The latter are in the form of letters and numbers and correspond with the type characters on the enlarged heads 92 of the type so that the operator of the apparatus may readily determine the character of the type which is associated with each hole |00. Preferably there are upper and lower case type within the type case as well as suitable numbers for printing signs in order that any desired word or combination of figures may be impressed upon the sign forming card. The type characters 95 on the enlarged heads 92 of the type are inked by means of a pair of inking rolls |02. These rolls, as shown in Figures 4 and 12, extend horizontally between the side pieces 46 of the carriage 23. They are disposed in the space between the angle bar 54 and the front margin or edge of the bottom piece 53 of the carriage and are yieldingly or resiliently supported by means of spring arms |03. The latter are fixed to brackets |04 on theA inner faces of the side pieces of the carriage and have U-shaped bearing forming distal ends |05 for trunnions |06 atv the ends of the rolls. As shown in Figures 12 and 13 the arms |03 are so arranged that they hold the upper periphery of the rolls in a slightly elevated position with respect to the type characters 95 on the enlarged heads 92 of the type. When the type case 24 is shifted rearwards it passes over and urges downwardly the rolls |02 and the type characters 95 come in contact with and are inked by the peripheries of the rolls. Because of the arrangement of the inking rolls inking of the type characters 95 of the type is effected after the type case is shifted rearwards with respect to the carriage 23. By reason of the fact that the distal ends of the-spring arms |03 are U-shaped the inking rolls |02 may be readily removed from the arms for replacement or inking purposes. In view of the fact that the rolls are disposed beneath the type case and within the U-shaped pocket which is formed by the carriage 23 there is little if any likelihood of anything being accidentally brought into contact with the rolls.

The type projecting plunger 25 extends vertically through the front end of the hollow supporting arm 22 and is confined to vertical sliding movement by way of a pair of vertically spaced plates |01 and |08. These two plates are carried by a band type bracket |09 on thev front end of the arm 22. As shown in Figures 4, 6, 12, and 13 this bracket |09 embodies a bottom part ||0, a pair of side parts and a top part ||2. The side parts extend inwardly and upwardly, as shown in Figure 6, and are fixedly secured to the sides 36 of the arm 22 by way of screws. The bottom part ||0 is positioned so that it is substantially iiush with the bottom edges of the sides 36 and carries the plate |06 so that the front portion of the latter projects forwardly of the bracket |09 and terminates slightly inwards of the front plate 38 of the arm 22. The top part I2 of the bracket is spaced a slight distance from the top 31 of the arm. and carries the plate |01 so that its forward or front portion overlies the front portion of the plate |08. The plunger 25 is square in cross section and extends through and fits slidably in vertically aligned square holes ||3 in the plates |01 and |03. The lower endot 75 ananas the plunger projects beneath the arm it and embodies a tapered extremity H4 which is adapted when the type case is positioned so that one of the holes in the top plate. 11 is disposed directly beneath the plunger to enter said hole in response to downward movement of the plunger and to project downwards the type beneath said hole and .cause the type character on the enlarged head of the typeto engage the card and make an impression thereon. By reason of the fact that the extremity is tapered the plunger when shifted downwards in order to project the type from the case for printing purposes will readily enter the subjacent hole |00 and if such hole is not in true registry with the plunger will automatically cause the type case to move so as to effect proper registry of such subjacent hole. The upper end of the plunger 25 extends upwards through a hole ||5 in the front portion of the top 31 of the hollow supporting arm 22. The plunger is vertically reciprocated by means of a crank ||6.- This crank is located adjacent to one of the sides .36 of the hollow supporting arm 22 and is fixed at its proximal endto oneend of a horizontally extending shaft ||1. The other end of the shaft` is journaled in a bearing H8 and has a segmental rack H9 keyed or otherwise xedly secured thereto. The bearing ||8 (see Figure 6) extends between the band type bracket |09 and the side 36 which is nearer the crank H6. The .rack ||9 (see Figure l2) `meshes with stud-formed teeth |20 on one side of the plunger 25. The distal end of the crank ||6 embodies a knob |2| for gripping purposes. When the crank ||6 is swung downwards, as indicated by the arrow in Figure 13 of the drawings, the rack 0 swings downwards and operates through the medium of the teeth |20 to slide downwards the plunger25. When the crank I6 is swung upwards the rack and teeth operate to Yretract the plunger. When it is desired to print with the apparatus the operator shifts the n type case 24 until the desired or predetermined type is disposed beneath the plunger 25. Thereafter the crank ||6 is swung downwards so as to cause the plunger 25 to slide downwards, enter the subjacent hole |00 and force downwards the `aforementioned type. During downward movement of such type the enlarged head with the type character thereon moves towards 'the platenforming strip 33` and when brought into engagement with the card makes an impression. Upon the retractile stroke of the crank the projected type movesupwards in response to the action of its compression spring and-the plunger is slid upwards into its inoperative position. To form another letter it is only necessary properly to shift the type case and then by swinging downwards the crank I6 project the selected type and cause it to make the desired impression.

The card retaining bar 26 rests on and extends transversely across the top 21 ofl the base 2|. It is disposed in parallel relation with the front 28 of the base and consists of a flat metal strip |22 and an upstanding rib |23. As hereinafter described, the bar is shiftable laterally. that is, to and from the front of the base for line spacing purposes and is also longitudinally shiftable for card shifting purposes. 'I'heustrip |22 is slightly longer than the base 2| is wide and embodies a longitudinal series of card retaining spring type clips |24. These clips are applied to the rear margin of the strip |22 and are adapted, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, to grip the front margin of the card to be printed and hold it in clamped relation with the rear portion of the strip |22. When the front margin of the card to be printed is inserted between the strip |22 and the clips the card is held in substantially fixed relation with the bar 2t and is movable or shiftable with the latter. The clips |2d have upturned rear or distal ends in order to permit of the ready entry of the front margin of the card to be printed between the clips and the subjacent or rear portion of the strip |22. The rib |23 extends across and is suitably secured to the central portion of the strip |22. It extends from one end of the strip |122 to the other and has a cut-out |25 in the central portion thereof (see Figures 17 and 18). The card retaining bar 26 is carried for transverse and longitudinal sliding movement by an elongated guide member |26. This member is located directly in front of the bar 26 and extends transversely across the top 21 of the base 2|. It is the same in length as the base is in width and consists of a at metallic bottom strip |21, a top channel strip |28, and a pair of rod type ller strips |29. The bottom strip |21 of the guide member underlies the strip 22 of the card retaining bar 26. It is approximately one-half again as wide as the strip |22, as shown in Figure 4, and is arranged so that its rear edge is flush with the rear end of the strip |22 and its front marginal edge projects forwards of the front edge |26 and because of their respective positions relatively to the strip |22 and the rib |23 the card retaining bar 26 is so connected to the guide member |26 that it is longitudinally slidable with respect to the guide member and is conjointly movable with said member to and from the front of the base 2|. When the card retaining bar 26 is shifted transversely as a result of forward or rearward shift of the guide member |26 the card to be printed, that is, the card which isretained by the clips |24 of the bar 26 against the strip |22 is shifted forwards or rearwards over the top of the base. When the bar 26 is slid lengthwise the card is moved conjointly therewith in a side- Wise direction.

Transverse shift of the card retaining bar 26 serves to move the card to be printed for line spacing purposes. The mechanism for so shifting the bar 26 comprises a cross-shaft |30, a.

pair of pinions |3 I, and a pair of angle type rackbars |32. The cross-shaft |30 is disposed beneath the central portion of the top 21 of the base 2|, as shown in Figure 6, and has one end thereof journaled in a bearing |33 on one of the sides 30 of the base 2|. The other end of the shaft |30 projects through a circular hole |34 in the other'side of the base and is provided on the extremity thereof with a knurled shaft turning wheel |35. The latter is pinned or otherwise xedly secured in place so that it operates when turned to rotate the shaft. The pinions 3| are fixed to the end portions of the shaft |30. They are disposed slightly inwards of the sides 30 of the base of the apparatus and mesh with the rack bars |32. The rack bars (see Figures 4 and 6) are disposed inwardly of, and extend parallel to the base sides 30 and comprise horil three aforementioned strips of the guide member zontal legs |36 and vertical legs |31. The horizontal legs of the rack bars fit flatly against the under or bottom face of the top 21 of the base 2| and underlie slots |38 in the base top. The vertical legs |21 are formed integrally with and depend from the outer margins of the horizontal legs and embody rack teeth |39 along their bottom margin. The slots |38 extend forwardly from the central portion of the top of the base 2| to the front margin of the base top and are of uniform width throughout their entire length. The front ends of the rack bars are provided with short slide pieces |40, and are secured to the ends of the guide member |26 by way of screws |4|. The slide pieces fit slidably in the slots |38 and are slightly longer than the bottom strip |21 of the guide member 26 is in width. The screws |4 extend upwards through the horizontal legs |36 of the rack bars |32 and project through the slide pieces |40 into internally threaded sockets in the end portions of the bottom strip |21 of the guide member |26. The rear ends of the rack bars are slidably mounted in U-shaped guide members |42 which are secured against the bottom face of the top 21 of the base 2|. When the knurled wheel |35 is rotated in a counter-clockwise manner, as viewed in Figure 1, the pinions |3| are so rotated that they shift the rack bars |32 rearwards and cause the latter to shift the guide member |26 and the card retaining bar 26 towards the rear portion of the base 2| of the apparatus. When the knurled wheel |35 is turned in the reverse direction, that is, in a clockwise manner as viewed in Figure 1, the pinions |3| rotate in a reverse direction and cause the rack bars together with the guide member |26 and the card retain-ing bar 26 to move towards the front of the base 2|. From the aforegoing it is manifest that byturning the knob in one direction or the other the card to be printed may be shifted to and from the front of the base and thus brought into the proper or desired position for printing. After a line of printing has been formed or made on the card, the card by operation of the aforementioned mechanism comprising the shaft |30, the

`pinions |3|, and the rack bars |32 may be shifted rearwards in order to bring another portion of the card into position for printing. In order to permit of accurate spacing of the lines of printing, a scale |43 is impressed or marked on the upper face of the top 21 of the base. This scale extends parallel to the sides of the base, as

`show'n in Figures 1 and 14, and consists of a on the shaft |30 that the knurled wheel |35 is' caused frictionally to engage the adjoining side of the base 2|. As a result of the action of the spring |44 there is a drag or brake action as far as the cross-shaft |30 is concerned and the card retaining bar 26 can hence not be shifted transversely for line spacing purposes without the application of a comparatively strong turning force to the knurled knob |35. The central portion of the cross-shaft |30 extends through aligned holes |45 in the sides of the channel type member 33, as shown in Figure 6.

The card to be printed is adapted after each impression, that is, each printing operation, to be shifted sidewise. Such shift of the card is effected by sliding the card retaining bar 26 longitudinally relatively to the guide member |23. As hereinbefore pointed out, the apparatus includes mechanism for automatically sliding the bar 26 longitudinally for card feeding purposes, after each printing operation. 'Ihis mechanism is actuated conjointly with the type projecting plunger 25, effects a step by step feeding of the card in response to successive impressions on the card, that is, printing operations, and comprises a vertically slidable control element |46. 'Ihis element is positioned in side by side relation with the plunger 25 and is in the form of a plate metal stamping. It is substantially the same in length as the plunger and extends through and is slidably mounted in vertically aligned slots |41 in the plates |01 and |00. The slots |41 extend parallel to the sides of the base 2| and hence maintain the control element iny a position wherein the sides thereof are parallel to the sides of the base and also the sides 36 of the hollow supporting arm 22. 'I'he lower end of the control element embodies a wedge formation |43 and the upper element projects upwards through the hole ||5 in the top 31 of the supporting arm. The control element is connected to the type projecting plunger 26 by way of a tension spring |49 anda pin and slot connection |50. The spring |49 (see Figure 6) is disposed in front of and extends longitudinally of the plunger. 'I'he lower end ofthe spring is connected by a forwardly extending pin -|5| to the plunger and the upper end of the spring is connected by a laterally extending pin |52 to the control element |46. The

control element is subjected to downward spring.

pressure and hence caused to move downwards when the plunger 25 is slid downwards by manipulation of the crank ||6 for type projecting purposes. The pin and slot connection |50 consists of a vertically extending slot |53 in the central portion of the control element |46 and a laterally extending pin |54 on the plunger 25. The pin |54 is normally disposed in the upper end of the slot |53 and operates when the plunger is shifted upwards to raise the controlelement. The pin and slot connection |50 between the plunger and the control element |46 permits the plunger to move downwards beneath the control element after the latter is arrested by abutment with the combined type selecting and positioning top plate 11 of the type case. When the plunger and control element are shifted downwards from their fully retracted position, they move conjointly during the initial clown-l ward swing of the crank ||6 and until the wedge formation |40 in the lower end of the control element engages or abutsagainst the plate 11. During further downward swing of the crank ||6 the plunger 25 moves downwards independ- -ently of the control member and projects downwards with the subjacent type (see Figure 13). This independent downward movement of the plunger is permitted by the pin and slot connec-v tion |50 and results in an elongation of the tension spring |49. When the crank ||6 is swung upwards tor raise the plunger after a printing operation the plunger movesl upwards independently of the control element |46 until the pin |54 of the pin and slot connection |50 engages the upper end of the slot |53. Thereafter the control element is caused positively to move up- 'wards in unison or conjointly with the plunger. 75

ratus.

The spring |49 and the pin and slot connection |55 constitute means whereby the plunger and control element are connected together so that during downward movement of the crank ||6 they move downwards together until the element is arrested by the plate 11 and thereafter the plunger moves downwards lindependently of the element and in response to upward swing of the crank the plunger is shifted upwards independently of Ithe control element during the initial portion of the upward swing of the crank and thereafter the plunger and element are shifted upwards conjointly. In addition to the control element |46 the mechanism for automatically sliding the card receiving bar 26 after each printing operation for card feeding purposes comprises a pair of lever forming `arms |55 and |56, a link |51, a crank arm |56, a rock shaft |59, a crank |60, and a one-way clutch |6|. The arm 55 is mounted on and extends forwardly and rearwardly from a pivot forming stud |62. The latter, as shown in Figure 4, is located in the central portion of the hollow supporting arm 22 and extends between and is secured to the sides 36 of said arm. The front end of the arm |55 terminates adjacent to the front plate 38 of said hollow supporting varm and is connected to the control element |46 by a pin and slot connection |63. This connection comprises a laterally extending pin |64 on the element |46 and a horizontally extending slot |65 in the arm |55 and operates to cause the arm |55 to swing upwards and downwards in response to upward and downward shift of the control element. The rear end of the lever arm |55 projects but a slight distance beyond the stud |62 and embodies a pair of vertically spaced inwardly extending lugs |66. The lever forming arm |56 is loosely mounted on the pivot forming stud |62 and extends rearwardly through the rear portion of the hollow supporting arm 22. It extends between the .lugs |66, as shown in Figure 4, and throughfgthe medium of the latter is swung downwardsl 1in response to upward swing of the arm |55 and upwards in response to downward swing of said last mentioned arm. The two arms |55 and |56 constitute a lever of the so-called first kind or type. The link |51 extends vertically and is disposed between the legs 35 for supporting the arm 22 in an elevated or overhanging position with respect to the base 2| of the printing appa- The upper end of the link projects into the rear portion of the compartment 4|) in the arm 22 and is pivotally connected to the rear or distal end of the lever forming arm |56. The lower end of the link |51 projects vthrough a hole |61 in the rear central portion of the top 21 of the base 2| and is pivotally connected to one end of the crank |58. The other end of the crank |58 is in the form of a hub |69 which is mounted on and is fixed to the rear end of the rock shaft |59. The latter is disposed in and extends longitudinally of the channel type member 33 .and is journaled in suitable bearings at the ends thereof. The bearing for the front end of the rock shaft is fixed to the front 28 of the base 2|, as shown in Figure 4. 'Ihe rock shaft is square in cross-section and through the medium of the lever forming arms |55 and |56 and the links |51 and the crank |56 is rocked in response to shift of the control member |46.'

The crank |60 projects upwards from the front end of the rock shaft and is connected to the clutch |6| by a pin and slot connection |69. The inner orlower end of the crank has an enlarged hub |10 with 'a square opening |1| therein through which the front end of the rock shaft extends. By reason of the fact that this opening is square the crank is free to slide longitudinally of the rock shaft and at the same time is connected to the shaftso as to swing or rock therewith. The clutch |6| comprises a clutch dog |12, and a two piece housing for the dog. The housing consists of an inner stamped metal piece |13 and an outer stamped metal piece |14 and is positioned above the rock shaft |59. The two housing pieces are suitably secured together in lapped relation and have vertically extending wedge-shaped notches |15 therein in which the clutch dog ts. The upper portion of the clutch housing ts in a slot |16 in the central portion of the front margin of the bottom strip |21 of the guide member |26 and is carried or suspended for longitudinal sliding movement on the front margin of the strip |22 of the card retaining bar 26 by means of a pair of upper ears |11 and a pair of lower ears |18. The upper ears are formed integrally with and extend inwardly or rearwardly from the upper'margin of the outer piece |14 of theclutch housing and fit against and rest on the top face oi the front margin of the strip |22. The lower ears |18 are spaced beneath the upper ears andare formed integrally with the upper margin of the inner piece |13 of the clutch housing. They project inwardly from the housing piece |13 and t against the bottom face of the front margin of the strip |22. The ears |11 and |18 constitute a connection whereby the clutch housing is suspended from the card retaining bar 26 and is connecte-d to the latter so that it is free to slide longitudinally thereof. The pin and slot connection |69 between the crank |60 and the clutch consists of a horizontally extending pin |19 on the upper or distal end of the crank and a vertically extending pin receiving slot |60 in the housing of the clutch. This pin and slot connection so connects the crank and the clutch housing that the clutch as a whole is shifted horizontally back and forth in the direction o1' the side base 2|I in response to rocking of the rock shaft |59. The crank |58 is vso arranged that is voperates to rock the rock shaft l|59 in a clockwise manner when the control element |46 is slid or moved downwards with the plunger and in a counter-clockwise direction when the element is moved upwards with the plunger at the conclusion of a4 printing operation. As a result of this the clutch is shifted to the right during downward movement of the control element and is shifted to the left when the control element is raised. The clutch dog |12 is positioned in an upstanding manner in the wedgeshaped notches |15 in the housing pieces and has a bifurcated lower end |8| which straddles the portions of the housing pieces which dene the lower or pointed ends of the notches |15. The central portion of the clutch dog embodies a hori zontally extending notch |62 through which the front margin of the strip |22 extends. The right hand portions of the wedge-shaped notches |15 are inclined or angled to the right and the left hand portions of the notches extend vertically. As a result of this notch design or arrangement the clutch dogn is free to swing from a substantially vertical position wherein it is in unclutched relation with the front margin of the strip |22 spring |83 is attached to a forwardly extending lug |84 on the outer piece |14 of the clutch housing and operates to urge the clutch -dog into its clutched position. When the clutch dog is in its clutched position, that is, in clutched relation with the front margin of the strip |22 of the card retaining bar 26 and the clutch is shifted to the left the bar 26 together with the card which is attached thereto is slid or fed lengthwise to the left. When the clutch is shifted to the right the clutch dog swings upwards into its unclutched position and releases the strip 22 of the card retaining bar 26 with the result that the clutch slides relatively to the bar and does not displace the latter. The card retaining bar |26 together with the card which is retained thereby is shifted to the left on the upstroke of the control element |46 and to the right on the down-stroke of said element. As a result of the action and arrangement and design of the clutch |6| the card retaining bar 26 is shifted to the left for card feeding purposes on the upstroke of the control element |46. During downward shift of said element the clutch slides to the right into a retracted position wherein it is again operative to shift the bar for card feeding purposes upon the next upward stroke of the control element |46. From the aforegoing it is manifest that when the crank ||6 is swung downwards in connection with a printing operation the clutch is slid to the right without moving or disturbing the card retaining bar 26. When the crank ||6 is raised at the conclusion of the printing operation and the type projecting plunger 25 and the control member |46 are hence raised the clutch is shifted to the left and as a result of being in clutched relation with the strip |22 moves or feeds the bar 26 together with the card to the left. The upper end of the clutch dog |12 of the clutch extends upwards through a longitudinal slot |85 in the central or web portion of the top channel piece |28 of the guide member |26 and forms a handle whereby the dog may be manually shifted into its unclutched position when it is desired to free the card retaining bar 26 so that it together with the card may be shifted to the right for card adjusting or positioning purposes. The sides of the upper orhandle forming ends of the clutch dog engage the sides of the slot |85 and hence the clutch |6| is connected to the guide member |26 so that it is shiftable bodily to and from the front of the base 2| with the guide member and card retaining bar. In order to cause the crank |59 to move with the clutch |60 when the guide member |26 and bar 26 are shifted to and from the front 28 of the base by manipulation of the knurled wheel |35 in connection with adjustment of the card to be printed, a bracket |86 is provided. This bracket is fixed to the bottom face of the bottom strip |21 of the guide member |26, extends downwards around the rock shaft |61 and is provided at its lower end with an upstanding fork |81 which ts within an annular groove |88 in the central portion of the hub |10 of the crank |60. Because of the construction of this bracket the crank |60 is caused to slide on the rock shaft |59 and maintain its operative relation with the clutch when the guide member and card retaining bar are shifted, as hereinbefore pointed out. A slot |89 in the central portion of the top of the base 2| permits the clutch 6| to move to and from the front of the base in connection with transverse adjustment of the guide member and card retaining bar. This slot |89, as shown in .Figures 1 and 14, is of uniform width from end to end and extends rearwards from the front of the base 2| to the platen forming piece 32 where it joins or communicates with the square cut-out 3|. In order to prevent any tendency of the card retaining bar 26 to follow the clutch |6| upon the retractile stroke of the latter and also to prevent over-feed or slide of the bar in the event that the feed stroke of the clutch is sudden or fast a leaf spring |90 and a shoe |9| are provided. The shoe, as shown in Figure 17, serves as a spring retainer and is mounted in the cutout |25 in the central portion of the rib |23. The spring is riveted at the central portion thereof to the central portion of the shoe and is bowed so that the ends thereof bear downwards against' the top face of the strip |22 of the card retaining bar 26. As the result of such bowing of the spring the shoe is urged upwards into frictional contact or engagement with the under-face of the web portion of the top channel piece |28 of the guide member |26 and hence produces a drag action which resists longitudinal sliding movement of the card retaining bar with respect to the guide member |26. An L-shaped bracket |92 is secured to one end of the strip |22. This bracket forms a nger piece whereby the card retaining bar 26 may be gripped in connection with manual sliding thereof relatively to the guide member |26. v

The length or amount of feed of the card retaining bar 26 in response to the action of the one-way clutch at the conclusion of each printing operation depends upon the length of the stroke of the control element |46. v When the up stroke of the control element is a long one the feed stroke of the card retaining bar is a long one. When the upstroke of the control element is short the feed stroke of the bar 26 is correspondingly short. In order adjustably to regulate or control the length of the stroke of the control element |46 so that such stroke is in proportion to the varying type widths slots |93 are formed in the combined type selecting and positioning top plate 11 of the type case y24. 'I'hese slots are adapted to receive the wedge-formation |48 at the lower end of the control element |46, as shown in Figure 13, and extend at right angles to the front 15 of the case. They correspond in number to the square plunger-receiving holes |00 in the plates 11 and are associated with and located at one side of the holes |00 respectively. As shown in Figure 6 of the drawings, the spacing between the slots |93 and their respective holes |00 is the same as the spacing between the control element |46 and the type projecting plunger 25. When the type case is positioned so that one of the holes |00 is disposed beneath the plunger 25 and the crank ||6 is swung downwards to effect a printing operation the plunger moves downwards through such hole as hereinbefore pointed out, and the control element moves downwards until the wedge formation |48 at its lower end enters and is stopped by the slot |93 Awhich G is associated with such hole |00. Each slot |93 is proportionately equal in width to the type character of the type with which it is associated with the result that the slots which are associated with comparatively wide type characters such as those forming the letters W and M are comparatively long and the slots which are associated with the small type characters such as those forming the letters I and "L. are comparatively short. When the control element |46 is shifted 75 'stroke and the card retaining element 26 together with the card is fed laterally a greater distance. By forming the slots |926 so that the length thereof is in proportion to the type with which they are associated lateral feed of the card retaining bar is controlled so that during normal or regular operation of the apparatus the impressions are spaced 'properly or equidlstantly apart. As shown in Figures 1, 12, and 13, an elongated horizontally extending stop |94 is 'mounted on the side of the hollow supporting arm against which the crank I I6 is located. This stop limits upward swing of the crank ||6 and is connected in place by screws |95 which pass through longitudinal slots |96 in the stop and permit the latter to be shifted or adjusted horizontally. By shifting or adjusting the stop the length ofthe upstroke of the control element |46 may be varied so as either to increase or decrease the spac- `ing between the impressions which are formed during successive printing operations. By shifting the stop |94 forwards upward swing of the crank I6 is limited or restricted with the result that there is a corresponding diminution of the upstroke of the control element |46 which in turn results in a decrease in the spacing between successive impressions. By shifting or adjusting the stop rearwards so that it permits of greater upward swing of the crank ||6 the upstroke of the whether it is desired to lessen or increase the spacing.

As shown in Figure 4, the lugs 166 at the rear end of the lever forming arm |55 are spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the height of the `portion oi the lever forming arm |56 which is disposed therebetween. As a result of this there is a lost motion connection between the arms |55 and |56. This connection is such that during the initial portion of the upstroke of the control element |46 the arm |55 imparts no downward motion to the arm |56 and hence there is no feed of the card retaining bar 26. Asthe result of the latter if it is necessary slightly to retract the type projecting` 'plunger 25 because of failure properly to align the subjacent hole |00 therebeneath no motion is transmitted from the control element |46 to the arm |05 and hence there is no 'undesired or improper feed of the bar 26 with the card to be printed. The lugsl |66 constitute a lost motion connection between the control element |46 and the clutch iti whereby no feed movement is imparted to the clutch during the initial portion of the up or retractile stroke of said control element. In order to retain the lever .forming arm t@ in the various positions into which it is swung by its counterpart, that is, the

shifted positions but also is prevented from overswinging, that is, swinging to a greater extent than contemplated in the event of a 4sharp or quick swinging movement of the arm |55.

In addition to the various parts and members 4heretofore recited, the apparatus includes a gauge 200 for showing the operator of the apparatus the line on which impressions will be made by the type on the card to be printed and also comprises a latch 20| for locking the type case and carriage against sidewise shift when the apparatus is inoperative, as for example when it is being shipped or moved from place to place. The gauge iits slidably against the front end of the left hand side piece 46 of the carriage 23 and is confined to vertical sliding movement by means of a screw and slot connection 202. The lower end of the gauge is bent inwardly toform a horizontally extending card engaging part 203. This part embodies a gauge line or calibration 204,

which when the gauge is shifted downwards t marks on the subjacent card the impression line of the apparatus. The upper end of the gauge is bent outwards and forms a finger-piece 205 by which the gauge may be shifted downwards into its gauging or operative position. The gauge is urged upwards into an inoperative position wherein the member 200 is elevated with respect to the subjacent card, by means o f a tension spring 206. The latter extends vertically and is connected at its lower end to a pin 201 on the central portion of the gauge and at its upper end to a laterally extending pin 208 on the contiguous side piece 46 of the carriage. The latch |96 is positioned in an upstanding manner against the 'right hand side piece 46 of the carriage 23 and is pivotally connected at its lower end by a screw 209 so that it may be swung from a substantially vertical position wherein it is inoperative forwards into a tilted position wherein it coacts with one end of the track 51 to hold the case and carriage against lateral or sidewise shift.. Swinging movement of the latch is limited by way of a screw 2 I0 which extends through an arcuate slot 2|| in the central portion of the latch. When it is desired to lock the type case against sidewise shift the case together with the carriage is shifted to the right as far as possible in order to bring the latch I 96 into alignment with the right hand end of the track 51. Thereafter the latch is shifted forwards into its operative position wherein it abuts against the right hand end of the track and thus locks the type case and carriage against sidewise shift to the left.

The operation of the printing apparatus is as follows: When it is desired to print a card to form it into a sign or placard for advertising or other purposes, the card is rst placed on the top 2l of the base 2| of the apparatus and is then shifted or manipulated so as to bring the front margin thereof between the clips l24 and the strip |22 of th card retaining bar 26. After such manipulation the card is nxedly secured t0, the bar. After connection or attachment to the bar, as hereinbefore described, the card is shifted into the desired printing position beneath the plunger 25. If longitudinal adjustment of the card is desired, that is, adjustment to or from the front til of the base, the lrnurled wheel its is turned. If lateral adjustment of the card is necessary or desired the clutch itl is first released by swinging the .clutch `dog i'l2'into its vertical or inoperative position and the card reE taining bar 26 is shifted longitudinally in. the dedred direction. After properly adjusting the 'lio y 1 O card, Lhe type case 2l is shifted by manipulation of thehandle to bring the desired type beneath the type projecting plunger 25. Thereafter the knob |2| is grasped by the operator and the crank ||5 is swung forwards and downwards. This action of the crank causes downward movement of the plunger 25. During the initial portion .of the plunger's downward movement the control element |45 moves downwards until the wedge formation |45 at its lower end enters and is stopped by the slot |83 at the side of the hole |50 which is directly beneath the plunger. During downward movement of the control element |45 the arm |55 swings the arm |55 upwards and causes the rock shaft |55 through the medium of the link' |51 and the crank |58 to rockin such manner that the clutchV |5| is shifted into its retracted position. During the latter portion of the downward stroke of the plunger 25 the type beneath the plunger is projected downwards and the type character on its enlarged head 82 is Vbrought into engagement with the card and effects an impression. At the conclusion of this printing step the crank ||5 is swung upwards into abutting relation with .the stop Ill. During the first or initial part of the upstroke of the crank the plunger 25 moves upwards independently of the control member |45. During such movement of the plunger the spring which is associated with the projected type moves the type. upwards into its inoperative or normalpositionl. During the end part or portion of the upward stroke of 4the plunger 25 the pin of the-pin and slot connection ll5!! is brought into engagement with the upper end of the slot |55 and the control element |45 is thus connected to the plunger so that it is raised or shifted upwards with the latter. After takeup of the lost motion connection between the lever forming arms |55 and |56 the upstroke of thevcontrol member operates through the medium of the two lever-forming arms of the link |51, the crank |55, therock shaft |59, 'crank |50, and the clutch |5| to shift the clutch in such direction that feeding of the card retaining bar together with the card is effected. After completion of the printing operation the type case is again shifted so as to bring the next desired type into position beneath the plunger 25. Tnereafter the crank I I5 is swung downwards and then upwards with the result that the desired impression is made on the card and the card is the-n fed laterally as hereinbefore described. During backwards and forwards shift of the type case the type characters 95 on the enlarged heads 92 of the type are -brought into contact with the .inking rolls |02 nd are inked by the latter. After completion of line of impressions on the card the card may if desired be shifted either to or from the front of the base 2| and another line of impressions made.

The herein described printing apparatus due to the specific arrangement of the parts thereof occupies but a small amount of space. It is extremely emcient in operation and maybe manufactured at a comparatively low and reasonable cost.

The invention is not to be understood4 as restricted to the details set forth, since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims. without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Having thus describedthel invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by letters Patent is: v

1. A printing apparatus comprising in combiairaeea A v nation a card supporting base. a forwardly extending arm overhanging the/rear portion of the base, a carriagebeneath the arm comprising4 a back piece and a pair of laterally spaced forwardly extending pieces and suspended from the front portion of the arm so that it is shiftable in a sidewise manner over the card, a type case with aset of individually and vertically movable type therein disposed within the carriage and connected to said side pieces so that it is shiftable sidewise with the carriage and is also shiftable relatively thereto to and from the front of the base, anda vertically slidable plunger carried by the front end of the arm over the type case and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as to shift the type and cause it to effect an impression on the card.

2. A printing apparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base, a forwardly extending arm overhanging Athe rear portion of the base, a U-shaped carriage beneath the front portion. of the arm comprising a back piece and a pair of laterally spaced forwardly extending side pieces and suspended from said front portion of the arm so that it is shiftable in a. sidewise manner over the card, a type case with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein disposed between the side pieces of the carriage and connected to the latter by roller and track connections so that it is shiftable sidewise with the carriage and is also shiftable relatively thereto to and from the front of the base, and a vertically slidable plunger carried by the front end of the arm over thetype case and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as to shift the type and cause it to effect an impression on the card.

3. A printing apparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base, a forwardly extending hollow arm overhanging the rear portion of the base, a carriage disposed beneath the front portion of the arm and comprising a back piece and a pair of laterally spaced forwardly extending side pieces with opposed tracks on the inner faces thereof, means between the upper portion of the carriage and said front portion of the arm for, suspending .the carriage so that it is shiftable sidewise. a type case'with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein disposed within the carriage and having rollers at the sides thereof engaging said tracks and forming connections between the type case and said side pieces of the carriage whereby the type case is shiftable sidewise with the carriage and is shiftable relatively thereto to and from the front of the base, and a vertically` slidable plunger extending through tha front end of the arm and over the type case and adapted when the case is shifted so that a 'type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as t0 shift the type and cause it to effect an impression on the card.

4. A printing apparatus comprising in combination a cardsupporting base, a forwardly extending hollow arm overhanging the rear portion of the base and having roller equipped brackets secured to and depending from the sides thereof, a U-shaped carriage disposed beneath the arm and comprising a back piece and a pair of laterally spaced forwardly extending side pieces, means including a runner extending across the top portion of the carriage and supported by the rollers for-suspending the carriage from the arm so that it is shiftable in a sidewise manner over the card, a type case with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein disposed between the side pieces of the carriage and connectedto the latter so that it is shiftable sidewise with nation, a card supporting base, a forwardly extending hollow arm overhanging the rear portion of the base and brackets secured to and depending from the front portions of the side of the arm and having an upper and a lower roller mounted thereon, a U-shaped carriage ldisposed beneath the arm and comprising a back Vpiece and a pair of laterally spaced forwardly extending side pieces, means for suspending the carriage from the arm so that it is shiftable in a sidewise manner over the card including a horizontal runner fitting between the upper and lower rollers and extending across and secured to the upper margin of the back piece of the carriage, a type case with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein disposed between the side pieces of the carriage and connected to the latter so that rit is shiftable sidewise with the carslidable plunger extending through the front end of the arm and over the type case and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as to shift the type and cause it to eifect an impression on the card.

6. A printing apparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base, a forwardly extending arm overhanging the rear portion of the base, a U-shaped carriage disposed beneath the front portion of the arm and comprising a back piece and a pair of laterally spaced forwardly extending side pieces, means for suspending the carriage from the arm so that it is shiftable side- Wise over the card including an elongated horizontally extending track disposed beneath and secured to thefront end of the arm and an elontype case with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein disposed between the side pieces of the carriage and connected to the latter so that is it shiftable sidewise with the carriage and is also slidable relatively thereto and from the front of the base, and a vertically slidable plunger carried by the front end of the arm' in front of the track and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as to shift the type and cause it to effect an impression on the card.

7.`A printing apparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base, a forwardly ex tending hollow arm overhanging the rear portion of the base, a U-shaped carriage disposed beneath the front portion of thearm and comprising a back-piece and a pair of laterally spaced forwardly extending side pieces, means for suspending the carriage so that it is shiftable sidewise over the card including an elongated horizontally disposed track extending under and secured to the front portions of the sides of the arm, a coextensive horizontally disposed runnerI extending across and secured to the central portions of the side pieces of the carriage and ar'- ranged so that it overhangs said track, and balls between the track and runner, a type case with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein disposed between the side pieces of the.

carriage and connected to the latter so that it is shiftable sidewise with the carriage and is also vshiftable relatively thereto to and from the front ofthe base, and a vertically slidable plunger in front of the track extending through and mount' ed slidably in the front end of the arm and adapted when the case is shifted so that the type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered and to shift the type so as to cause it to effect an impression on the card.

8. A printing apparatus comprising in corn-V bination a card supporting base, a forwardly extending arm overhanging the rear por'tion of the base, a U-shaped carriage beneath the arm of the back piece and provided with horizontally' extending angle bar type runners along the inner faces thereof, a type case with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein disposed within the carriage and having upper and lower rollers at the sides thereof fitting at the top and beneath the tracks respectively and 'forming connections between said type case and said side pieces of the carriage whereby the type case Ais shiftable sidewise of the carriage and is also shiftable relatively to the carriage to and from the front ofthe base, and a vertically slidable plunger carried by the front end of the arm vover the type case and adapted when the case base, a carriage disposed beneath the front por'- tion of the arm and comprising a back piece and a pair of laterallyspaced side pieces secured to 4and extending forwardly from the ends of the back piece and provided with opposed tracks on' the inner faces thereof, means between the upper portion of the carriage and said front portion of the arm for suspending the carriage so that it is shiftable sidewise over the card, a type case with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein disposed within the carriage and A i having rollers at the sides thereof engaging said tracks and, forming connections between the tracks and said side pieces of the carriage whereby the type case is shiftable sidewise with the carriage Vand is shiftable relatively thereto to and from the iront of the base. a roll for inking the' type carried by the carriage and extending ben tween the side pieces of the latter and beneath thetracks, and a vertically slidable plunger carried by the front end of the arm over the type case and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneatli to be able type therein disposed between the side pieces of the carriage and connected to the latter by roller and track connections so that it is shiftable sidewise with the carriage and is also shiftable relatively thereto to and from the front of the base, means for locking the carriage and type case against sidewise shift when the apparatus is not in use consisting of a latch piv- `otally connected to one of the side pieces of the carriage and adapted to be brought into abutting relation with one end of the track of the suspension means, and a vertically vslidable plunger carried by the front' end of the arm over the type case and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as to shift the type and cause it to effect an impression on the card.

11. A printing apparatus comprising in oombination a card supporting base, a forwardly extending arm overhanging the rear portion of the base,`a U-shaped carriage beneath the front portion of the arm comprising a back piece and a pair of laterally spaced forwardly extending side pieces and suspended from said front portion of the arm so that it is shiftable in a sidewise manner over the card, a type case with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein disposed between the side pieces of the carriage and connected to the latter so that it is shiftable sidewise with the carriage and is also shiftable relatively thereto to and from the front of the base, a vertically slidable. plunger carried by the front end of the arm over the type case and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath-to be lowered so as to shift the type and cause it to eifect an impression on the card, and a gauge for indicating the impression line of the type mounted against one of the side pieces of the carriage for vertical sliding movement and having a` gauge marking on the lower part thereof.

12. A printing apparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base, a forwardly extending arm overhanging the rear portion of the base, a U-shaped carriage beneath the front'portion of the arm comprising a back piece and a pair of laterally spaced forwardly extending side pieces and suspended from said front portion of the arm so that it is shiftable in a sidewise manner over the card, a type case with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein disposed between the side pieces of the carriage and connected to the latter so that it is shiftable sidewise with the carriage and is also shiftable relatively thereto to and from the front of the base, a vertically slidable plunger carried by the front end of the arm over the type case and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as to shift the type and cause it to effect an impression on the card, a gauge for indicating the impression line of the type mounted against the outer face of one of the side pieces of the carriage for vertical sliding movement and having an intumed lower end with a gauge mark-- ing thereon extending inwardly under the bottom edge of the one side piece and adapted when the gauge is shifted downwards to be brought into abutting relation with the card or the subjacent portion of the base and when the gauge is shifted upwards to serve as a stop for limiting upward movement, and a spring applied to the gauge so that .it serves normally to urge the latter upwards.

13. A printing apparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base, a longitudinally shiftable card retaining bar extending transversely across the base, an arm supported by the base so that it overhangs the latter, a type case provided with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein and mounted so that it is shiftable universally in a horizontal plane under the arm and over the card, a vertically slidable plunger carried by the arm and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as tofshift the type and cause it to effect an impression on the card, and automatic feed means for the card comprising a one-way clutch applied to the bar and adapted when moved in one direction to move the bar and card and when moved in the opposite direction to release the bar and move into a retracted position, a control element carried by the arm for vertical sliding movement and connected to the plunger for vertical shift thereby, and an operating connection between the element and the clutch for moving the latter back and forth in response to vertical shift of the former.

14. A printing apparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base, a longitudinally shiftable cardl retaining bar extending transversely across the base, an arm supported by the base so that it overhangs/the latter, a type case provided with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein and mounted so that it is. shiftable universally in a horizontal plane under the arm and over the card, a vertically slidablev plunger carried by the arm and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as to shift the type and cause it to eect an impression on the card, and means for automatically feeding thecard for impression spacing purposes comprising a one-way clutch applied to the bar and adapted when moved in one direction to move the bar and card and when moved in the opposite direction to slide relative to the bar into a retracted position, a control element carried by the arm for vertical sliding movement and connected to the plunger for vertical shift thereby, and a separate connection between the element and the clutch whereby the clutch is moved in said one direction in response to downward shift of theelement and in said Opposite direction in response to certain upward shift of the element.

15; A printing apparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base, a longitudinally shiftable card retaining bar extending transversely across the base, an arm supported by the base so that it overhangs the latter, a type case provided with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein and mounted so that it is shiftable universally in a horizontal plane under the arm and over the card, a vertically slidable plunger carried by the arm and adapted when the case is shifted so that al type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as to shift the type and cause it to effect an impression on the card, and means for automatically feedan operating connection between the element and the clutch adapted to move the'clutch back and forth in response to back and forth movement of the element and including a lost motion connection whereby movement of the clutch is precluded during the initial movement of the element by the plunger.

16. A printing apparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base, a longitudinally shiftable card retaining bar extending transversely across the base, an arm supported by the base so that it overhangs the latter, a type case provided with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein and mounted so that it is shiftable universally in a horizontal plane under the arm and over the card, a vertically slidable plunger carried by the arm and adapted when the case is shiftedso that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as to shift the type and cause it to effect an impression on thepcard, and means for automatically feeding the card for impression spacing purposes comprising a one-way clutch applied to the bar and adapted when moved in one direction to move the bar and card and when moved in the opposite direction to slide relatively to the barinto a retracted position, a control element carried by the arm for vertical sliding movement connected to the plunger for vertical shift thereby, and a separate 'connection between the `element and the clutch adapted to move the clutch back and forth in response to vertical shift of the element and including a lost motion connection whereby movement of the clutch is precluded during the initial part of either downward or upward shift-of the element by the plunger.

17. A printing apparatus comprising in combination card supporting base, a longitudinally shiftable card retaining bar extending transversely across the base, an arm supported by the base so that it overhangs the latter, a type case provided with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein and mounted so that it is shiftable universally in a horizontal plane under the arm and over the card, a vertically slidable plunger carried by the arm and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as to shift the type and cause it to effectA an impression on the card, automatic feed means for the card comprising a one-way clutch applied to the bar and adapted when moved in one direction to move the bar and card and when moved in the opposite direction to releasethe bar"and move into a retracted position, a control element carried by the arm for vertical sliding movement and so connected to the plunger and controlled that it moves downwards with the plunger during the initial portion of downward shift of the plunger and moves upwards with the plunger during the latter part of upward movement of the latter, and an operating connection between the element and the clutch for moving the latter back and forth in response to vertical shift of the former. v

18. A printing apparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base, a longitudinally shiftable card retaining bar extending transversely across the base, an arm supported by the base so that it overhangs the latter, a type case provided with a set of individually and `vertically lmovable vtype therein and mounted so that it is shiftable universally in aV horizontal plane under the arm and over the card, a vertically slidable` plunger carried by the arm and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be lowered so as to shift the type and cause it to effect an impression on the card, and means for automatically feeding the card for impression spacing purposes comprising a one-way clutch applied to the bar and adapted when moved in one direction to move the bar and vcard and when moved in the opposite direction to slide relatively to the bar into a retracted position, `a control element carried by -the arm for `vertical sliding movement connected lto the plunger for verticalshift thereby, and an the clutch is precluded during the initial portion of the down and upstroke of the element.'

19. A printing apparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base; a longitudinally shiftable card retaining har extending transversely across the base, an arm supported by the base so thatv'it Aoverhangs the latter, a type case with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein mounted so that it is shiftable universallyV in a horizontal plane under the arm and over the card and provided at the top thereof with a type positioning and selecting plate having holes vtherein in alignment with the type and slots .alongside of the holes, a vertically slidableplunger carried by the arm and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be shifted downwards through the subjacent hole in the plate and to shift the type and cause it to effect an impression on the card, and means for automatically feeding the card for impression spacing purposes comprising a one way clutch adapted when moved in one direction to move the bar and card and when moved in the opposite direction to release the bar and move into a retracted position, a vertically slidable control element adjacent to the plungery provided at the lower endthereof with a wedge-shaped slot receiving formation and connected to theplunger so that when the latter is shifted downwards for type shifting purposes to be moved downwards until arrested as the result of engagement with the slot at the side of the hole that is beneath the plunger', and valso so that when the plunger is shifted upwards it is also shifted upwards,

and an operating connection between the element y lits therein in'alignment with the' type, a vertically slidable plunger carried by the arm and adapted when the case is shifted so that'a type is disposed directly therebeneath to' be shifted downwards through the subjacent hole in the plate and to shift the type and cause it to effect an impression on the ca'rd, and means for automatically feeding the card for impression spacing purposes comprising a one way clutch adapted when moved in one direction to move the bar and card and when moved in the opposite direction to release the bar and move into a retracted position, a vertically slidable control element adjacent to the plunger connected to the plunger by a spring'so that it is downwardly shiftable with the plunger'untll arrested by contact with the plate and alsoco'nnected to the plunger by way of a pin and slot connection so that it-is retracted by the plunger during the latter portion of upward shift thereof, 'and an operating connection between the element and the clutch for movingthe clutch back and forth in responseto vertical shift of the element.

' 21. A printing apparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base, a longitudinally shiftable card retaining bar extending transversely across the base, an arm supported by the base so that it overhangs the latter, a type case with a set of individually and verticaly movable type therein mounted so that it is shiftable universally in a horizontal plane under the arm and over the cardand provided at the top thereof with a type positioning and selecting plate having holes therein in alignment with the type, a vertically slidable plunger carried by the arm and adapted whenthe case is shifted so that a type is disposed directly therebeneath to be shifted downwards through the subjacent hole in the plate and to shift the type and cause it to eect an impression on the card, and means for automatically feeding the card for impression spacing purposes comprising a one way clutch adapted when moved in one direction to move the -bar and card and when moved in the opposite direction to release the bar and move into a retracted position, a vertically slidable control element adjacent to the plunger connected to the plunger `by a .spring so that it is downwardly shiftable with the plunger until arrested by contact with the plate and also connected to the plunger by way of a pin and slot 'connection so that it is retracted by the plunger during the latter portion of upward shift thereof, and an operating.

no movement is imparted to the clutch during the initial portion of the up and down stroke of the element. f

22. A printingapparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base, a hollow arm supported by the base so that it overhangs the latter, a type case provided with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein and mounted so that` it is shiftable universally in a horizontal plane under the arm and over the card, a vertically slidable plunger extending through the arm and adapted when the case is shifted so that a type is disposed therebeneath to be lowered so as to shift the type and cause it to effect an impression on the card, means for shifting the plunger. for type shifting purposes including a crank on the outside oi.' the arm, automatic feed means for the card comprising a vertically slidable -control element extending through the arm in close proximity to the plunger and connected to the latter so that it is shiftable downwards during the initial part of the downstroke of the plunger and is shifted ,upwards during the latter part of the upstroke of the plunger, and an adjustable stop for limiting swinging of the crank in the direction which effects upward shift of the plunger and the control element. h

23. A printing apparatus comprising in combination a card supporting base, a longitudinally shiftable card retaining -bar extending transversely across the base, an arm supported by the base so that it overhangs the latter, a type case provided with a set of individually and vertically movable type therein and mounted so that it is v shiftable universally in a` horizontal plane under the bar and card and when moved in the opposite direction to release the bar and move into a retracted position, a movable control element tacit and roi-tf1 1p response to back and forth -movement of the element, and means whereby the clutch may be manually released with Arespect to the bar 'so that the latter may be shifted longitudinally in either direction in connection with manual adjustment of the card.

ROBERT J. THORN. 

